It’s a Friday, it’s sunny, and nothing could possibly go wrong today… right? Wrong, say the NS and ProRail.

We apologise in advance to all commuters, but the NS expects “significant adjustments” to the timetable on various rail routes around Schiphol today.

Just how significant is “significant”? Well, as a ProRail spokesperson tells the NOS, around one hundred trains will be cancelled between the hours of 5:20 AM and 3:15 PM.

As such, this timetable adjustment will not only affect Schiphol, but almost the entire Randstad, too.

But… why?

The reason for this Friday morning mess? Rail work, of course.

Over the past two weeks, ProRail has been renewing some tracks around Schiphol Airport.

Among other things, the workers have replaced switches in the railway tunnel and checked the lighting and technical installations to make sure everything works smoothly.

This is all part of bigger renovation work being done on the Schiphol tunnel.

The only problem? Since no trains have run over the tracks for the past two weeks, ProRail cannot immediately let normal trains run over them.

Instead, they’ll need to remove the rust from the rails — and that’s what’s happening today.

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Romantic weekends in Paris, celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, or skiing in the French Alps: these 17 trains departing from Holland are guaranteed to bring you to dreamy destinations.

Sustainable, fast, AND comfortable, travelling with international trains from the Netherlands is an easy decision.

But are you still struggling to find your perfect destination? Strap in to find the ultimate getaway!

Direct international day trains from the Netherlands

One of the many beauties of the European continent is its extraordinary train network. It’s never been so easy to hop on a train and ride straight into an international adventure.

So, all aboard — and strap in for the best direct international connections from the Netherlands!

1. London, England

Ready to swap haring and stamppot for fish and chips? Or do you just want to enjoy an ice-cold beer at an authentic English pub? Well, London’s the place to be then — innit?

Geen problem (no problem), says Eurostar. In as little as 3 hours and 56 minutes, their high-speed train will bring you all the way across the North Sea and deliver you to London’s St. Pancras Station.

READ MORE | How to get from Amsterdam to London: the complete guide

The direct train from Amsterdam to London, which also stops in Rotterdam, runs five times a day, and gives travellers a great variety of choices! 

2. Antwerp, Belgium

Ah Belgium, the beloved (or is it?) little brother of the Netherlands. It’s no surprise that Antwerp made our list of international trains from the Netherlands.

Just a short 1 hour 15 minutes Eurostar train journey away from Amsterdam, Antwerp is a great destination for a weekend away or a day trip. But pro tip: The journey’s cheaper (and only 30 minutes longer) if you opt for the Brussels InterCity.

READ MORE | 19 best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide

What is there to do in Antwerp, you ask? Well, plenty! Antwerp is a river city with extraordinary architecture, an international culinary scene, hipster delights, and yet a charming historic centre. Museums, concerts, parks, shops — you name it, Antwerp’s got it!

3. Brussels, Belgium

Fries, mussels, beer, and chocolate? SIGN US UP, because we can’t get enough of these Belgian delicacies. The best place to find them? In the Belgian capital, of course.  

Brussels is a multicultural city with so much more than just great grub. It’s also got glorious architecture and a fascinating history — a city that truly has something to offer to everyone. 

Curious to go see it for yourself? The IC Brussels will sweep you from Amsterdam to Brussels’ Manneken Pis in less than three hours.  

4.  Paris, France

Eating the freshest of French pastries, taking long walks down the Seine, hanging with Mona Lisa, and having a cheeky kiss with a sexy Parisian (or your significant other) in front of the Eiffel Tower: Ooh la la!

READ MORE | If Emily in Paris were set in Amsterdam: here’s what our readers had to say

The answer is, ‘oui’, you can get to Paris from Amsterdam by train — and in as little as 3 hours and 20 minutes!  

Eurostar’s fast train scoops you up from Amsterdam’s Central Station and delivers you in Paris faster than you can say ‘croissant’. You even have multiple departures each day to choose from!

5. Düsseldorf, Germany

A short 2 hours and 12 minutes away from Amsterdam lies Düsseldorf — the fashion capital of Germany. It’s a super popular place for a short getaway among Nederlanders, and its easy accessibility by train is just one of the many reasons why.

Need travel inspo? Say no more. Climb the Rhine Tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the city, enjoy a German beer in the world’s longest bar street, go on a romantic walk along the Rhine promenade, and window shop in the lavish Königsallee.

Oh, and while you’re in Germany, don’t forget to stop by a bakery to have some real bread (because the Netherlands doesn’t have any).

6. Cologne, Germany

Köln (Cologne) is one of those super underrated cities that should definitely be on your travel radar for this year! 

From the magnificent Kölner Dom to the delicious chocolate museum, you are guaranteed to have a splendid time.

READ MORE | The 19 biggest differences between Germany and the Netherlands

NS’s international Intercity will swoop you out of Amsterdam and bring you straight to Cologne in just over three hours.

7. Disneyland Paris, France

Looking to escape reality for a wee while? Get those mouse ears on, because just a stone’s throw away from France’s capital lies Disney’s only European location: Disneyland Paris. Wat leuk!

READ MORE | The guide to 10 thrilling theme parks in the Netherlands

Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie, or simply trying to relive your dearest childhood memories — Disney’s magical vibe will make your dreams come true.

Jump aboard the Eurostar in Amsterdam and bibbidi-bobbidi-boo: within 3 and a half hours, you’ll be standing eye to eye with Mickey and his friends.

8. Berlin, Germany

Do you want to shamelessly let out your inner hipster for a weekend? Or maybe learn about World War II? Berlin is the place for you. The German capital is a perfect getaway by train from the Netherlands. 

With exceptional landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and some of the world’s best Döner Kebab, Berlin never ceases to amaze us. 

Thanks to the InterCity between Amsterdam and Berlin, you can easily make your Berlin-dreams come true! The best part? The train’s five daily departures between 7 AM and 3 PM let you be heel flexible in your travels.

Cost: Starting at €40
Duration: 6 hours 25 minutes (from Amsterdam)
Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Hilversum, Amersfoort Centraal, Apeldoorn, Deventer, Almelo, Hengelo

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International sleeper trains from Amsterdam and beyond

Fancy going to sleep in the Netherlands and waking up in another country? Geen problem! 

The Netherlands has multiple overnight trains that can take you to different destinations around Europe — all while dreaming the sweetest dreams.

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9. Basel, Switzerland

This Swiss city on the Rhine river has plenty of reasons (and rich people ) to fall in love with — why not go see for yourself? It’s only a night’s train away! 

READ MORE | Why is there a first and second class on trains in the Netherlands?

Although it’s a small city, Basel won’t let you run out of things to do that easily. As the cultural capital of Switzerland, the city hosts countless museums and art galleries that will have any art lover swooning. 

Prefer to explore nature? Just take a dip in the Rhine (if you dare), or ride a bike over to Germany or France.

Cost: Starting at €50 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot
Duration: 9 hours 52 minutes (from Amsterdam)
Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal

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10. Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest vibes year-round? Heck yeah, we’re here for it. Munich is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Germany — so it would be wrong not to include it on a list of the best places to get to by international train from the Netherlands. 

If nibbling on a warm pretzel and sipping fresh German beer sounds like the perfect weekend for you, then what are you waiting for?

Nightjet’s sleeper train will take you from Amsterdam to Munich within 12 hours — and offer you a journey that’s much more manageable than driving on the Autobahn! 

Cost: Starting from €30 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot
Duration: 11 hours 40 minutes (from Amsterdam)
Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch

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11. Innsbruck, Austria

If you miss the stop at Munich Central Station, worry not! The same train ends up in sensational Innsbruck.

Quirky, colourful houses? Innsbruck’s get ‘em. A stunning old town? All yours to explore. But the best part? MOUNTAINS! 

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explanation

Tucked in the incredible landscape of the Austrian Alps, this small town will definitely leave you wanting more.

Cost: Starting at €30 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot
Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes (from Amsterdam)
Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch

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12. Zurich, Switzerland

Move a little further into Switzerland, and you’ll find captivating Zurich, the biggest city of the country (but not its capital, nuh-uh!).

Once you’ve arrived, swap out Dutch cheese for Swiss cheese and explore the colourful old town. Sounds good? Natuurlijk it does — and luckily, Nightjet’s sleeper train from Amsterdam can effortlessly get you there.

Step on in Amsterdam at 8.28 PM, fall asleep to the rhythmic chugging of the train, and open your eyes in Zurich at 8.05 AM — fully rested and ready bright and early to seize the day.  

Cost: Starting at €40 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot
Duration: 11 hours 37 minutes (from Amsterdam)
  Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal

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13. Vienna, Austria

Visiting Vienna is dangerous — chances are REALLY high you’ll find yourself wanting to move there. After all, it’s been crowned the world’s most livable city MANY years in a row.

But tourists enjoy Vienna just as much as locals do. After all, who wouldn’t love to enjoy a lekker Wiener Schnitzel surrounded by inspiring street art and lavish architecture?

Good news: getting from Amsterdam to Austria’s capital is easy as pie (or should we say Apfelstrudel?). With Nightjet’s sleeper, you’ll have crossed the 1,200-kilometre distance in just under 14 hours. 

Cost: Starting from €70 for a seat, €117 for a sleeping cot
Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes (from Amsterdam)
Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch

14. Prague, Czech Republic

The sleeper train between Amsterdam and Prague has been long anticipated, and has finally launched in March of 2024. 

From visiting Prague’s many museums to roaming around the old town and tasting the delicious local cuisine, Prague is a true gem that should feature on anyone’s travel bucket list.

Thanks to European Sleeper, getting to the lovely capital of the Czech Republic is now as easy as going to sleep.

15. Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, Germany

Going to sleep in flat ol’ Netherlands and waking up in a green mountain paradise? Yup, thanks to European Sleeper‘s newest night train to Germany, it’s be possible! 

In so-called Saxon Switzerland, a national park located south of the city of Dresden, you’ll find breathtaking sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, deep canyons, lush valleys, and amazing lookout points.

It’s a great place for an outdoorsy getaway. And the best part? It’s just a train ride away!

Seasonal international trains from the Netherlands

Train carriers just know how to cater to their clientèle, which is why Eurostar introduced two special seasonal train lines for the summer and winter respectively. How leuk!

While Eurostar Sun will take you to the south of France, Eurostar Snow heads for the French Alps at a top speed of 300 kilometres an hour!

16. South of France

If you’re anything like us, then the Netherlands has you dreaming of the Mediterranean sunshine. Lucky for all of us sun-chasers, Thalys is making these dreams MUCH more attainable. Oh mon dieu!

READ MORE | 7 destinations for a romantic camping getaway in France

Forget traffic jams, high petrol prices and stressful pee-breaks, and think tanned Frenchmen, fresh seafood, and a blue, blue sea! With Eurostar’s seasonal Eurostar Sun line, travelling to the South of France is easy as ever. 

This international train from the Netherlands rides to four French Mediterranean destinations in just eight hours: Valence, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. 

17. French Alps

Ah, the marvellous French Alps, what a sight for sore eyes! If you are (like the Dutchies), a fan of zooming down the slopes, and singing your heart out at après-ski parties, then jump aboard. 

READ MORE | 7 winter escapes from the Netherlands by train

Every Saturday between December 24 and March 25, Eurostar Snow’s international train from the Netherlands can take you to some of the most marvellous ski resorts of the French Alps. 

Stops along the way include Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

More international trains from the Netherlands

So far, all the trains included in this article have been direct trains from the Netherlands to various European countries. 

Of course, if you don’t mind some stops and transfers along the way, you can explore many other exciting destinations. The possibilities are (almost) endless!

18. Rome, Italy

Travelling to Italy by train? Certo (of course), it’s possible — all roads lead to Rome, after all! 

Throw back one too many Aperols, and indulge in delicious Italian feasts (pizza and tiramisu, anyone?) while losing yourself in the history of one of the oldest cities of Europe. Or, if you’re up for it, get yourself a charming Italian lover to show you around on his Vespa.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #32: Eat a lot of very questionable snack food

With as little as two transfers, you can get from Amsterdam Central to the Italian capital (without having to face crazy Italian drivers along the way) — and enjoy all that la Bella Italia has to offer.

19. Luxembourg, Luxembourg

With the proximity of Luxembourg, it’s surprising that there is no direct international train from the Netherlands to this marvellous little country.

READ MORE | Road trips from the Netherlands to Luxembourg

Nonetheless, Luxembourg is just a 6-hour journey away, if you don’t mind a quick transfer (or two, depending on what trip you book) along the way. And let us tell you: Lëtzebuerg is so worth it!

From swimming in lakes, to exploring the modern capital, or charming medieval towns, the country’s small size makes it easy to explore its entirety within just a few days. The best part? Public transport is entirely free, so getting around will never be an issue. 

Coming soon: more international trains and sleepers from the Netherlands

International train travel is becoming increasingly popular among passengers in the Netherlands. Naturally, train companies are responding by working on even more direct lines. Hoera!

Here are a few of the confirmed plans!

Warsaw, Poland

What lies right behind Czechia? Beautiful Poland, of course! How great would it be if the European Sleeper to Prague continued to Warsaw?!

Did you just say “super great”? Then you’re in luck! Because those are the exact plans of the company. 

Although a launch date for this route is not yet known, the intention is that the night train to Prague will also get a number of carriages that go all the way to the Polish capital.

Barcelona, Spain

If sunshine is calling, any Nederlander will answer. Well, good news for the Dutch: EuropeanSleeper doesn’t just have its eye on Warsaw but also on Barcelona!

Taking passengers from several stations in the Netherlands to Spain’s picturesque heart, the sleeper is expected to get here by the spring of 2025. 

Pros and cons of travelling with international trains from the Netherlands

Whether travelling by international train is the right thing for you is up to you to decide. Nonetheless, we’ve compiled some pros and cons to help you make up your mind.

How to buy tickets for international trains from the Netherlands

Most tickets for international trains from the Netherlands can conveniently be ordered on NS international’s website, or at a physical NS counter at a train station. 

However, if you want to save some bucks, it may be worth checking the websites of the respective train carriers first (for example Eurostar, European Sleeper and Nightjet). They sometimes have better offers or special deals. 

Tips for international train journeys from the Netherlands

While international trains from the Netherlands are A-MAZING in themselves, here are some tips to follow that will make your trip even more pleasant.

• If you’re trying to secure cheap tickets (because why wouldn’t you?), book early. If you book far enough in advance, tickets can be up to €100 to €200 cheaper.
• Always book your journey from your actual station of departure, instead of using your own OV-chipcard for the Dutch part of the trip. This is cheaper and saves you the hassle of having to check in twice.
• If you’re looking to go away for a long weekend, it’s cheaper to go from Saturday to Monday than from Friday to Sunday.
• When travelling on an international train from the Netherlands, remember to bring your ID or passport, and residence permit (if you have one). Even if you don’t go through a security check, your documents could be checked at customs.
• Don’t forget to take out some cash before leaving the Netherlands. While the Netherlands likes to do everything by bankpas, other countries might not. 
• If tickets for your desired destinations are not available yet, make sure to set yourself a reminder in your calendar. Remember: The early bird catches the worm.

Now, what are you waiting for? Time to book that train journey to the destination of your dreams!

Hopefully, these international trains from the Netherlands will make travelling as easy-breezy as the Dutch coast.

Do you prefer to travel internationally by train, car, or plane? Tell us in the comments below!

FAQs: International trains and sleepers from the Netherlands

Life in the Netherlands can be hectic and fast-paced — and navigating the daily hustle can be time-consuming. So, how can you make the most of your day and reclaim some of those precious moments? 

These 7 time-saving hacks for life in the Netherlands can help!

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1. Use public transport apps  

Although the Dutch public transport system is known for its efficiency, it can sometimes (and by that I mean often) be a mess. 

Workers go on strike; trains get geannulleerd (cancelled); buses are vertraagd (delayed) — you know the drill. 

The result? You find yourself standing on the platform, waiting for a ride that may never come, and wasting your valuable time. 

The solution? Handy-dandy Dutch public transport apps.

Unlike trains, buses, and trams, apps like 9292 or NS Travel Planner are very reliable. They give real-time updates on your bus, train, or tram, with information on delays, cancellations, and alternative routes. They also often pick up issues that aren’t flagged by Google Maps.

This allows you to plan your journey more efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays, and stop wasting time by waiting.

2. Order nutritious ready-made meals  

I’ll make a confession here: I don’t like cooking.

It’s time-consuming, I’m not great at it, and the washing up takes me ages. So, what do I do? I eat bread — for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s simple, but it’s not good for me.

One of my 2024 resolutions is to nourish my body properly. Still, I don’t always find time to come up with elaborate recipes, run to Albert Heijn, and cook myself proper nutritious meals. 

But there’s a solution for people like me: healthy ready-made meal services. 

Meal boxes from companies like Factor allow you to save time on meal prep and maintain a healthy diet by having pre-prepared, high-quality meals delivered to your doorstep. 

3. Swap out Netflix for Spotify

This point may come as a surprise, but don’t underestimate its efficiency! 

Did you know that you can save a heck of a lot of time by switching from binge-watching series to binge-listening to podcasts?

Yup, swapping out Netflix for Spotify can save time in your day-to-day life by allowing you to enjoy entertainment while accomplishing small tasks, turning downtime into a productive and enjoyable experience. 

By combining productivity with enjoyment, you can “slaa twee vliegen in een klap” (kill two flies with one clap), as the Dutch like to say — and increase your overall productivity. Win-win!

4. Embrace Dutch cycling culture  

Embracing the magic of your fiets (bike) is another great time-saving hack for your life in the Netherlands. 

By immersing yourself in Dutch cycling culture, you’re not only integrating into society but also saving time, staying active, and getting some fresh air! 

Cycling from door to door, from your flat to work, for example, eliminates the need for transfers, helps avoid getting stuck in traffic, and scraps time wasted walking to and from public transport stops. 

For example: on days when I feel lazy (or it’s pouring down rain), I take the bus to our cosy DutchReview office here in Leiden. Between walking to the bus stop, being stuck at red lights, and walking from the stop to the office, this can take around 20 minutes.

On days when I cycle, however, I can easily slash in half. *Checks Apple Watch*: when I bike, it takes me exactly 10 minutes and 9 seconds. 

That’s 10 minutes saved — twice daily — and valuable time I can use to snooze a little longer in the morning.  

5. Hire a cleaning service  

Have you ever heard the saying “cluttered house, cluttered mind”? Well, research shows it’s very true. 

Neuroscientists have found that disorganisation in the home majorly affects our brains and can even cause a rise in our levels of cortisol, our stress hormone. 

A messy flat can impact us when we work from home, for instance, but it also affects our overall mental well-being. 

So, why not clean up your home (and mind) by hiring a cleaning service? 

Getting help from a cleaning service can eliminate stress, free up valuable leisure time and, of course, ensure a consistently tidy living space. 

It’s a practical solution for those who prefer a clean home but have a busy schedule.

6. Negotiate your work conditions  

Find that you’re wasting time and energy on your daily commute to the office? Talk to your boss!

It seems scary, we know, but working from home or flexible hours can eliminate commute time and allow you to structure your day to maximise productivity ( — and we’re sure your boss will be happy about that ). 

Even if working from home is not the norm in your company, you have the right to make a request to work remotely on certain days with your employer. 

Your request must be made in writing two months ahead of time, and can only be rejected for valid business-related reasons.

7. Automate regular purchases   

In our modern day and age, we should use technology to our advantage! How? By letting it do our shopping. 

Think about your home: what are some things you always need and run out of? For me, it’s toilet paper, my favourite cereal, and dish soap. For you, it may be cat food, eggs, and toothpaste. 

Either way, the point is that you can save a lot of time by setting up subscriptions for certain things to make sure you’re always stocked. 

This way, you save time at the supermarket while eliminating the worry about essential household items.

To automate your regular purchases, find out:

• What you can automate and where (e.g. Amazon, your pet food supplier, etc.), and
• How frequently you need different items restocked

On Amazon, for example, you can use the “Subscribe & Save” feature on eligible products. Select your preferred quantity, frequency, and add you’re all set! 

Whether it’s optimising your commute, outsourcing chores, or embracing the local culture, these time-saving hacks will help you reclaim precious time and simplify your daily routines. Will you try them?

Do you have any more tips for saving time in the Netherlands? Share them in the comments!

The Netherlands has officially presented its song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and, dare I say, we might just have a chance of taking that trophy home.

Joost Klein, a 26-year-young man from Leeuwarden, will represent the Netherlands this year.

Known for his unique, funky vibe, the rapper’s Eurovision song, “Europapa,” combines catchy beats with a sense of nostalgia — and people are here for it.

Breaking records

Within 24 hours of its release, “Europapa” was streamed more than 1.6 million times on Spotify.

With this, Klein has broken the Dutch record for the most Spotify streams in one day of any song ever released.

As Klein tells Eurovision, his song is a tribute to his dead father, who taught him that there should be no limits to his dreams.

“‘Europapa’ is about an orphan who travels through Europe to find himself and tell his story. At first, people don’t recognise him, but he goes on seizing any opportunity he gets to let himself be seen.”

Ready to hear it? (WARNING: This will be stuck in your head all week. )

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place from May 7 to 11 in Malmö, Sweden — mark your calendars!

What do you think of the Netherlands’ 2024 Eurovision song? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you have ever had to deal with the Dutch housing market, whether as a renter or a buyer, you’ll know that the situation is, well… bleak.

How bleak, you ask? Calcasa, a company that specialises in the analysis of the Dutch real estate market, has crunched the numbers to find out how much income is required to buy an “average” house in the Netherlands.

And the results are… discouraging.

More than two average salaries needed

To get to its final number, Calcasa based its study on a dual-income household with no student debt, no deposit of their own money, and a house with energy labels E, F, or G.

They also took into account the current average mortgage interest rate of 3.75% without NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee) and 3.25% with NHG.

READ MORE | Why is there a housing shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch housing crisis explained

Considering that the average price for a home in the Netherlands is €452,000, the household type above would need to earn an average of a whopping €95,000 gross per year to be able to afford one of them.

If you want to purchase in Amsterdam, that number climbs to €120,000.

READ MORE | Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages

Here’s where it gets good (…not): According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, the expected average Dutch annual salary in 2024 will stand at €42,236. 

So, yes, even two average salaries would not be sufficient to buy an average home in the Netherlands.

Income requirements vary by municipality

As with everything, there are big differences between the municipalities when it comes to housing prices.

Taking the crown for the least affordable municipality in the Netherlands is not Amsterdam (shocker), but instead the municipalities of Bloemendaal, Laren and Blaricum.

READ MORE | Buying a house in the Netherlands: extra costs you need to know

Never heard of those places? You’re not alone. Yet still, the average value of a house in these municipalities is above €1 million, and you’d need to make more than €200,000 a year to afford one of them.

Curious how much money you need to earn to go from renter to owner in your municipality? Check out the numbers for the 20 biggest Dutch municipalities.

Would you ever consider buying a house in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re planning a trip to the Dutch capital this year, you should prepare for some unforeseen costs. No, we’re not talking about the €13 stroopwafels; we mean the skyrocketing tourist tax.

Yup, tourists who spend the night in one of Amsterdam’s many hotels or hostels can expect to pay a whopping 12.5% in tourist tax this year.

In practice, this means that the average tourist will be paying an extra €16.76 per night per person, according to Bungalowoverzicht.nl.

Why are they doing this?

To curb overtourism.

It’s no secret that Amsterdam struggles with the enormous amounts of tourists it has to welcome each year.

In an effort to reduce this influx, the city has previously banned large cruise ships, restricted weed, and flat-out told young Brits to “stay away”.

READ MORE | ‘We never stop drinking’: British men react to Amsterdam’s Stay Away campaign

The increased tourist tax is just another measure meant to scare off international visitors. Whether it will have the desired effect remains to be seen.

The highest in all of Europe

Even before this increase, Amsterdam’s tourist tax was not just the highest in the Netherlands, but in all of Europe. Ouch.

Wondering why the city needs all this money? According to the municipality of Amsterdam, it will be invested in the neighbourhoods and boroughs that need it the most to maintain the city’s fabulous quality of life. 

What do you think about Amsterdam’s newest measure to curb over-tourism? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an expat in the Netherlands, living far away from your family and friends back home. And I know what it can be like: hard.

Internationals around the globe struggle with mental health issues linked to their move away from home. 

We often experience feelings of displacement and loneliness, and some of us are heavily affected by things such as culture shock and the cold Dutch weather.

But getting help for your mental health in the Netherlands isn’t an easy feat: the waiting times are long, therapy sessions can cost up to €120 per hour, there’s a language barrier, and sometimes you simply don’t have a connection with your Dutch psychologist.

That’s where this new app can help.

Online therapy, wherever and whenever you need it

How does it work? It’s easy as pie — let’s have a look.

The EXPATHY app is available for download on your Android or iPhone. When signing up, you will be asked five questions to ensure you are matched with the best psychologist for your needs.

From there, you can immediately use your free intake session to schedule a call with an expat psychologist — no need to sit through a months-long waitlist!

Once you’ve found a professional that suits you, all therapy sessions will take place seamlessly through the EXPATHY app, which allows you to video call with a psychologist from your home country. It’s the perfect way to get therapy for expats!

Expat psychologists with the needed expertise

Not only are EXPATHY’s psychologists from your home country, but they also specialise in providing therapy for individuals living abroad. 

Many of them even have their own international experience, and providing therapy for expats is what they specialise in.

They are trained to address the unique challenges and stressors that come with living in a foreign country, such as navigating cultural adjustments, language barriers, and emotional challenges.

Want to know more about therapy for expats?

If you’re curious to know more or are interested in getting therapy through EXPATHY, here’s what you need to know.

EXPATHY currently has therapists available in the following languages: 

• Albanian
• Bulgarian
• Croatian
• Czech
• Farsi
• Greek
• Hindi
• Hungarian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Polish
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Russian
• Serbian
• Slovak
• Spanish
• Argentinian Spanish
• Turkish

Once you are matched with an expat psychologist who suits you, you can schedule your free session immediately. After that, you will be able to choose between two packages.

The monthly package includes four sessions at  €69 per session, while the quarterly package gives you 12 sessions at €59 each. 

An added bonus of the quarterly package is that it can match you with another client who faces similar challenges as you do.

What do you think about EXPATHY? Would you try it out? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Do you remember the murder of Peter R. de Vries? How about when Princess Amalia was kept from leaving the house due to threats to her well-being? Well, the criminal allegedly tied to these crimes just got sentenced to life in prison.

The man in question? Ridouan Taghi, one the Netherland’s most notorious criminals.

Along with seventeen other suspects, he was on trial for nearly six whole years.

What crimes did he commit?

Ridouan Taghi was at the head of ‘a well-oiled murder organisation’, according to the Public Prosecution Service (OM).

This group is allegedly responsible for six murders between the years 2015 and 2017, four attempted murders and preparations for even more assassinations.

What’s most interesting, however, is that the crimes were committed as the trial was ongoing. As the NOS writes, these include:

• The murder of the brother of Nabil B., who was named as crown witness to the case in early 2018,
• The murder of Nabil B.’s lawyer, Derk Wiersum, in 2019,
• The murder of Peter R. de Vries in 2021, who was Nabil B.’s close confidant.

The so-called ‘Marengo trial’ also imposed sentences upon 17 other suspects.

These sentences range from life sentences (for two of Taghi’s closest co-criminals), to just one year and 9 months.

(Fun fact: Although this is one of the most important criminal trials to have ever taken place in the Netherlands, its name was randomly generated by a computer.)

READ MORE | 7 notorious Dutch criminals that will leave you shaking in your clogs

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Ah, Ryanair, the budget airline we all know and love (or do we?). Well, this summer, you might not be able to get to your dream destination with the Irish airline, CEO of the company, Michael O’Leary, has warned.

Why not? Ryanair will likely have to cancel lots of flights this summer because the airline will receive fewer Boeing aircraft than promised.

According to the NOS, the American aircraft manufacturer was meant to provide 57 new planes to Ryanair by the end of June, but due to manufacturing issues, it looks like they can’t keep this promise.

“We don’t really know how many aircraft we’ll get,” O’Leary said during a press conference, but “we’re pretty sure we will receive between 30 and 40. … We have little confidence that we will be delivered more than 45.”

Oh, and more expensive tickets

If Ryanair doesn’t get enough planes by the start of the summer season, they can only carry 200 million passengers over the coming fiscal year, compared to the previously predicted 205 million.

The result? They “might need to announce some schedule cuts, mostly on routes with high daily frequencies,” O’Leary said.

And natuurlijk (of course), this will affect travellers in more ways than one, as ticket prices could shoot up by up to 10%.

As O’Leary puts it: there will be a “higher fare environment across Europe” this summer — which would also affect the two biggest Dutch airports, Eindhoven and Schiphol, from which Ryanair operates.

@ryanair respect it #ryanair ♬ original sound – Ryanair

Do you usually fly with Ryanair? Share your experience in the comments!

Tilburg’s TextielMuseum has done it again: the unique museum of textiles is bringing us another fascinating exhibit! “Is it alive?” can be seen between 14 October 2023 and 7 April 2024!

What’s this all about, you ask? The simple answer: life! But of course, there’s much more to it. Let’s check it out.

Is what alive?

Before you screech in fear, don’t worry, this isn’t some display about scary critters and crawlies — the artwork isn’t actually alive.

“Is it alive?” is shown at Tilburg’s unique TextielMuseum, which, as the name suggests, centres around the world of textiles. The exhibition showcases fascinating textile artworks which are inspired by the processes and movements of nature. 

One of the exhibit’s artists, Lonneke Gordijn from DRIFT, tells the curators that “if you look closely at how things in nature are constructed — it’s so complicated and so logical — it makes you wonder if nature is not the high-tech part in our world.”

It’s exactly this premise that’s at the heart of “Is it alive?”, which brings textiles to life with the use of fascinating modern technologies. 

The result? A unique exhibition that combines innovation, textiles, technology and art.

I’m intrigued, tell me more! 

Curious about what you can actually see during this exhibition? Let’s have a look at what awaits you.

The centrepiece of the exhibit is a piece called “I am Storm” by the artistic duo DRIFT, made up of Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta. 

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #13: be innovative (and not be shy about it) 

This new installation is making its premiere during “Is it alive?”, and consists of some 20 larger-than-life-size stems that bounce in the imaginary wind.

On top of that, the TextielMuseum will showcase spectacular “living architecture” by Philip Beesley, interactive works by Bart Hess, and the impressive works of fashion designer Iris van Herpen, as well as Tanja Smeets.

More than art — dive into the research

The artworks displayed during the “Is it alive?” exhibit are not your average pieces of art. 

In fact, there’s plenty of scientific research that went into them, and each piece is as innovative as it is fascinating. 

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

Parts of the technique behind the “I am storm” installation, for example, are the result of intricate research conducted by the TextielMuseum’s very own textile lab. 

Similarly, Philip Beesley’s prototype of the “Poietic Veil Tilburg” was created in collaboration with the renowned TU Delft. It’s the glorious result of the collaborative research effort between the artist and students from the university. Heel impressive!

Want to learn more about this unique making-of process? Dat kan! 

Yup, “Is it alive?” not only showcases the artworks themselves but also takes visitors through their process of creation — “revealing that artists are sometimes inventors and can drive innovation”.

 Curious to see this unique art exhibition yourself? Here’s all you need to know:

We’ll see you there!

What are you most excited to see at the TextielMuseum? Tell us in the comments!